Comprehensive Norwegian Escape Review - January 6, 2019 sailing.

[MarkCanada]

(This is a long review, but comprehensive and fair-minded for those who want details.) I followed the guidelines for CC reviews and submitted there, but it hasn't shown up for some reason. 

 

I am a low-maintenance cruiser (I even sometimes bring my towels to the room steward for exchange and don't need my room made up every day (lest twice per day...). This was my 10th cruise, 2nd with NCL.

 

The ship is relatively new. Decor is lovely. It's in immaculate shape. While we were aboard, everything worked. The hotel area signage could benefit from "Aft" and "Forward" indications with arrows to help guests who don't want to constantly search for the interval their cabin number is in. It's a simple fix. The fish on the carpets pointing forward were a lifesaver, but only in the hotel corridors.

 

The ship's layout was bizarre though. 4 main issues:

 

1. Garden Cafe (buffet) had to be crossed from the main pool area to access all midship-to-aft staterooms. It's unsanitary and crowded. I've never experienced this on another ship, all of which had a staircase from the pool area available for bathers to get back to the hotel.

2. Casino was right in the middle of deck 7, and the smoke was extreme and inescapable. Stand near any casino table for even 2 minutes and you reeked. It's in NCL's interest to have everyone pass through the casino, but not in guests' interest. More on this later.

3. Many inside staterooms have a support beam immediately outside the stateroom door. Pay close attention upon entering or (worse) exiting, or run right into it. Ouch. Could have been incorporated into the stateroom or the hallway walls, I am sure.

4. Very loud atrium (music and other shows held there) so close to Guest Services/Shore Ex made for unnecessarily raised voices and simple problems were difficult to communicate, let alone solve. Given that Guest Services is more like directory assistance, needing to refer you elsewhere on a wild goose chase to get answers, I guess the problem is minimized somehow (just like your vacation is, as you spend time chasing the right department)

 

We had non-valuable items taken/discarded from our stateroom without permission. I don't believe this is an NCL issue, or a ship issue, but rather an isolated case by a first time steward who felt threatened by the negative comments about the work she was doing that she witnessed on a notepad in our stateroom. It was a shocking experience. I was also disappointed that an officer I met with knee-jerkingly and repeatedly defended the integrity of the steward's inexplicable actions before gathering all of the facts, simply because some past guests have made similar "items disappeared" statements that turned out to be the guests' fault. To their credit, other shipboard personnel reacted swiftly and decisively when approached with the issue immediately as it was discovered. I'll leave this issue at that for now - the rest is between me and NCL.

 

Inside cabin, deck 12 aft, was of average size comparatively. The bathroom was actually larger than expected. We missed drawers like we have had on other ships. They would have been useful.

 

NOTE: No self-serve laundry facilities on this ship! Ship laundry is expensive. Watch out for 14-day sailings. (More NCL self-interest??)

 

Service: Here's where I have major concerns. As mentioned, Guest Services should be renamed "Directory Assistance". This is where people go when they have issues to resolve. Sometimes, they wait a long time! They expect answers and solutions, not attitude, lies, and referrals to other departments that just cause delays. Here are a few snippets I lived/witnessed. I'll try to be succinct:

 

1. Manhattan Room is just a regular MDR. Don't go for the music, it is not played as advertised. Short sets only, and maybe not even when you're there. Nice room though. Expecting music, we made reservations for 4/14 nights. After not getting any on night 1, we went to GS to cancel our reservations so that others can make some. We were given the runaround, and GS picked up their phone to dial a number for us to cancel our reservations. The phone said "box office". So while on the phone, shouting over the music playing nearby, after cancelling Manhattan Room reservations, I asked them to cancel my child's reservation for the Brat Pack (16+) show the next night in a packed theatre (which is small). The operator was short with me and rudely told me I'd have to call someone else to do that. I was not pleased. The next day, I got a phone call from a supervisor (Stella?) apologizing for the tone her operator used. Stella explained "She's Serbian..." What????

 

2. We missed a port and received refunds of the port charges as REFUNDABLE credit to our shipboard account. I went to GS to ask for that cash. They refused. Twice. Once of the refusals to return $34/person was accompanied with a "we don't have enough cash onboard to provide everyone with these refunds in cash. NCL will send you a cheque." Ummm.. No. That's a complete lie. Anyone with half a brain and a calculator can attest to the tiny number of people who end up with a credit balance on their account at the end of the cruise. Then, a Finance officer (Poonam) refused too, saying it was against policy. I asked for an exception so that I can give cash tips. Also no. She finally said that I could come back to GS on the last sea day (when the lineup is over hours long) to see if the exception had been granted. I asked her to call me instead and leave a message. She agreed. Then she stared at me. She didn't know my name or stateroom, and didn't bother to ask to make the call she agreed to make. Just lip service. THEN, after being denied this REFUNDABLE credit in cash 3 times in the last 2 days because it is "against policy to give cash", I scan my card at security as we are exiting the ship and referred to a guest services person standing by who - get this - wants to give me cash because I have a credit balance on file! Interesting timing for a "policy" change... Seems like more made up information.

 

3. Day 13, dozens of people in line for disembarkation luggage tags, having been told they would be available at GS, but the person in line got them personally for each person. I know people take too many and make a mess, but you can have a set up on the side with a staff person to manage it, to avoid creating lines. I have to wonder if this was done to increase the length of the line to dissuade others from joining it.

 

4. While I was dealing with an improperly charged item at GS, for over an hour, Jun, a GS agent at the next computer over, told a Platinum Latitudes guest wrong information about the loyalty program. Guest asked for the description of Platinum benefits. Jun responded “we don’t have that here.” The guest insisted, incredulously, knowing that the information is so common that it couldn't be far. Seconds later Jun found the exact document at GS desk in the first place he looked. He was making up answers the whole time. First, he *knew* that Cagney’s wasn’t an option for Platinum guests only Bistro/La Cucina, then after being proven wrong, he told the guest to go eat and they would credit the meal after (causing the guest to do more work!), then he told the guest he needed a voucher, all while the guest’s wife was sitting in the restaurant. Shameful unprofessionalism. And to a very loyal cruiser!

 

I could only stare and laugh in disbelief. You'd think that "Guest Services" would know a thing or 2 about their company's loyalty program. Or at least where to find the information. Or at least to not make stuff up. But too many NCL staff did make things up.

 

I had to spend over 2 hours, over 2 different days, with Guest Services staff to get them to apply promised credits because of service issues aboard. And it was a fight, because the promises didn't match the notes. And because a different department was responsible for the credit and had to be notified, and convinced, and I felt on trial, all because an offer was made to me to fix another issue. So difficult! And, to top it all off, after the first conversation (over 75 minutes) that resulted in a credit, the charge was REAPPLIED overnight to the account! This was the breaking point.

 

But yet, when daily forced gratuity charges put my account in the negative, I got "Please come add a credit card or cash to your onboard account" notices EVERY DAY like clockwork. Printed, sorted, delivered, immediately, on time, every day. But when they promise something, I have to chase it. No, thanks.

 

1 experience with Shore Excursions desk and I had to teach them about their own excursions. Re: Harvest Caye ferry only to Placencia. First, the agent denied that was available. Then, when I used NCL documents to prove that it was, she couldn't answer any questions about it, even the schedule of departures. And this, despite the fact that purchasing these ferry tickets are charged directly to the stateroom, and that Harvest Caye is an exclusive, private NCL island. Disappointing that I had to waste time at the ShoreEx desk and then on the island as I had to get to the marina only to learn that the first ferry left 90 minutes later, trapping me on their island though I was dressed for an exploration.

 

Dining: I'm a fan. I wish there would have been more variety for breakfast, but all in all, this 14-day cruise satisfied on the food side. Thanks to the chefs for their creativity and to the buffet staff (regular and exceptional) for their hard work dealing with the extra measures due to the virus outbreak. MDR servers and staff were less personal than I am used to on other lines, but I wonder if that has to do with the number of people they are responsible for at a time. Might be too many. Big credit to Ionela Oprisan, Assistant F&B director (acting director for part of this sailing) who was ALWAYS visible, interacting with guests, bringing smiles, solving issues, just being generally incredible. She's a star who went above and beyond, service-wise, on a ship where service was a notable negative in situations where it mattered. 

 

Specialty dining: Cagney's steakhouse was excellent. The OMG cheesecake was the best food we had the entire cruise. Moderno Churrascaria had a beautiful salad bar spread, but the meat (supposed to be the star) left a bit to be desired. The salad bar alone is not worth the cover charge.

 

Entertainment-wise, this was below average as a whole. The comedy club was the smallest of any ship I've been on with many obstructed sightlines. The comedians were of all qualities, but I didn't like how the opener did the same set each night. You had to decide whether to show up on time to get a good seat to see the show or show up late to enjoy 20 more minutes of vacation.

 

Brat Pack was a wonderful show. Thank you. The theatre is too small for this sized ship, though. I wasn't impressed by the other shows, some of which catered to an older audience.

 

I traveled with a child who enjoyed most experiences in Splash Academy, the kids' club aboard. Thanks to the staff there. On the ship, there was lots for the kids to do, and despite the early January sailing, there were lots of kids aboard.

 

The ropes course was a lot of fun, as was the bocce. The mini golf is a joke for anyone who takes the game semi-seriously, as the course is devoid of any thought, and skill is useless. It's a fun place to smack around a ball though. The sports court is in excellent shape.

 

Before I get to the last question, it is crucial to note the amazing work of many of the ship's staff in response to the virus outbreak aboard this sailing. NCL policies, thanks to their personnel, worked very well to minimize and contain this threat as much as possible. Our experience, and the health of passengers and crew aboard, would have been much worse were it not for the conscientious and hard work of hotel and food service personnel who worked tirelessly cleaning the ship, continually. It's a shame that some passengers live in a such a selfish way as to thoughtlessly put the health of others at risk rather than be responsible adults in society. NONE of my criticism of this cruise vacation is related to the virus outbreak on board. I am truly thankful for the professional response.

 

CruiseCritic asks "Would you go again"? My answer, sadly, is no. It will be very difficult to get me to travel with NCL again because they seem to be almost-entirely focused on their own self-interest. Both of my NCL experiences have been virtually identical. If you have no issues on board, you'll have a fine time. But if something goes wrong, expect to be told anything (even made up) to get you to go away, and know that you'll have to chase any offer made to you to try to make up for the problem that happened in the first place. You'll waste tons of valuable vacation time, or you'll just give up on collecting on their promises, all the while being constantly reminded to come give them your money, or a credit card through which they can access your money. No, thanks.

 

Once bitten, twice shy. I'm done with this company.

 

[JillK]

Hey MarkCanada. 

 

Sounds like you had a number of frustrating experiences on the Escape. 

 

We were on the 12 night itinerary in December and also cruised her on a 7 nighter out of Miami in December 2016 so obviously we enjoyed the first experience enough to warrant a second cruise. 

 

Your personal negative experiences aside, which I luckily didn't encounter, I agree with a lot of your comments.... position of casino and smoke, having to go through GC to get from aft cabins to pool area, loud activities almost constantly in atrium right beside Guest Services, Shore Ex, CruiseNext and Internet desk making it challenging to interact with those people. 

 

As for our most recent cruise, I found the food to be good to excellent depending on where we were eating. We really like Cagney's and La Cucina where we had exceptional service one night when hubby and I had a date night without the boys.

 

We were disappointed with the taste of our first few meals in the Manhattan Room but did find the last three nights to be very good so it ended on a high note. We experienced live music for about half an hour twice in the six nights we dined here. Once the full band and the second time was the "Funky Duo" (who oddly sang "Like a Virgin" in the middle of dinner at 6:30 with tons of families there). Two nights there was no music at all which made this beautiful space sound like a high school cafeteria and really made me appreciate how music can really change the feel of a restaurant.

 

My sons (seven and eight) loved Splash Academy significantly more this past cruise than they did the first time so I have to assume that the incredible staff is the reason. They were always asking to go and begging for us to leave them there for late night hours.

 

While I thought the quality fo the food in the buffet was good I was pretty frustrated with the experience there by the end of the cruise. Not only were we disappointed in the constant cutting in front of us almost every single day, we also found it challenging on most days to find a table for the four of us. But I suppose that's what happens on ships this big. I still don't understand why Margaritaville exists - in my two cruises I never once saw anyone actually eating in there (unless it was someone who had brought their food up from the GC like we did the last sea day when we gave up on finding a seat after 10 minutes of looking). 

 

It's definitely not a perfect ship but it does have a lot to offer! Thankfully we didn't have any of the poor service experiences you encountered - that would mar anyone's trip - but after 15 nights aboard her we aren't interested in cruising her again since there are so many other ships out there to try. This past experience also made me appreciate that I prefer a smaller ship but my kids really only know the mega-ship experience with all the bells and whistles so I am booking those for family vacations. 

 

I hope in the future if you find an NCL ship/itinerary that you really like you will consider cruising with them again. All in all, I think they have a good product but I can completely understand why you have been so turned off. No matter who you go with, happy future cruising! 

Edited January 29, 2019 by JillK

[bkrickles1]

9 hours ago, MarkCanada said:

(This is a long review, but comprehensive and fair-minded for those who want details.) I followed the guidelines for CC reviews and submitted there, but it hasn't shown up for some reason. 

 

I am a low-maintenance cruiser (I even sometimes bring my towels to the room steward for exchange and don't need my room made up every day (lest twice per day...). This was my 10th cruise, 2nd with NCL.

 

The ship is relatively new. Decor is lovely. It's in immaculate shape. While we were aboard, everything worked. The hotel area signage could benefit from "Aft" and "Forward" indications with arrows to help guests who don't want to constantly search for the interval their cabin number is in. It's a simple fix. The fish on the carpets pointing forward were a lifesaver, but only in the hotel corridors.

 

The ship's layout was bizarre though. 4 main issues:

 

1. Garden Cafe (buffet) had to be crossed from the main pool area to access all midship-to-aft staterooms. It's unsanitary and crowded. I've never experienced this on another ship, all of which had a staircase from the pool area available for bathers to get back to the hotel.

2. Casino was right in the middle of deck 7, and the smoke was extreme and inescapable. Stand near any casino table for even 2 minutes and you reeked. It's in NCL's interest to have everyone pass through the casino, but not in guests' interest. More on this later.

3. Many inside staterooms have a support beam immediately outside the stateroom door. Pay close attention upon entering or (worse) exiting, or run right into it. Ouch. Could have been incorporated into the stateroom or the hallway walls, I am sure.

4. Very loud atrium (music and other shows held there) so close to Guest Services/Shore Ex made for unnecessarily raised voices and simple problems were difficult to communicate, let alone solve. Given that Guest Services is more like directory assistance, needing to refer you elsewhere on a wild goose chase to get answers, I guess the problem is minimized somehow (just like your vacation is, as you spend time chasing the right department)

 

We had non-valuable items taken/discarded from our stateroom without permission. I don't believe this is an NCL issue, or a ship issue, but rather an isolated case by a first time steward who felt threatened by the negative comments about the work she was doing that she witnessed on a notepad in our stateroom. It was a shocking experience. I was also disappointed that an officer I met with knee-jerkingly and repeatedly defended the integrity of the steward's inexplicable actions before gathering all of the facts, simply because some past guests have made similar "items disappeared" statements that turned out to be the guests' fault. To their credit, other shipboard personnel reacted swiftly and decisively when approached with the issue immediately as it was discovered. I'll leave this issue at that for now - the rest is between me and NCL.

 

Inside cabin, deck 12 aft, was of average size comparatively. The bathroom was actually larger than expected. We missed drawers like we have had on other ships. They would have been useful.

 

NOTE: No self-serve laundry facilities on this ship! Ship laundry is expensive. Watch out for 14-day sailings. (More NCL self-interest??)

 

Service: Here's where I have major concerns. As mentioned, Guest Services should be renamed "Directory Assistance". This is where people go when they have issues to resolve. Sometimes, they wait a long time! They expect answers and solutions, not attitude, lies, and referrals to other departments that just cause delays. Here are a few snippets I lived/witnessed. I'll try to be succinct:

 

1. Manhattan Room is just a regular MDR. Don't go for the music, it is not played as advertised. Short sets only, and maybe not even when you're there. Nice room though. Expecting music, we made reservations for 4/14 nights. After not getting any on night 1, we went to GS to cancel our reservations so that others can make some. We were given the runaround, and GS picked up their phone to dial a number for us to cancel our reservations. The phone said "box office". So while on the phone, shouting over the music playing nearby, after cancelling Manhattan Room reservations, I asked them to cancel my child's reservation for the Brat Pack (16+) show the next night in a packed theatre (which is small). The operator was short with me and rudely told me I'd have to call someone else to do that. I was not pleased. The next day, I got a phone call from a supervisor (Stella?) apologizing for the tone her operator used. Stella explained "She's Serbian..." What????

 

2. We missed a port and received refunds of the port charges as REFUNDABLE credit to our shipboard account. I went to GS to ask for that cash. They refused. Twice. Once of the refusals to return $34/person was accompanied with a "we don't have enough cash onboard to provide everyone with these refunds in cash. NCL will send you a cheque." Ummm.. No. That's a complete lie. Anyone with half a brain and a calculator can attest to the tiny number of people who end up with a credit balance on their account at the end of the cruise. Then, a Finance officer (Poonam) refused too, saying it was against policy. I asked for an exception so that I can give cash tips. Also no. She finally said that I could come back to GS on the last sea day (when the lineup is over hours long) to see if the exception had been granted. I asked her to call me instead and leave a message. She agreed. Then she stared at me. She didn't know my name or stateroom, and didn't bother to ask to make the call she agreed to make. Just lip service. THEN, after being denied this REFUNDABLE credit in cash 3 times in the last 2 days because it is "against policy to give cash", I scan my card at security as we are exiting the ship and referred to a guest services person standing by who - get this - wants to give me cash because I have a credit balance on file! Interesting timing for a "policy" change... Seems like more made up information.

 

3. Day 13, dozens of people in line for disembarkation luggage tags, having been told they would be available at GS, but the person in line got them personally for each person. I know people take too many and make a mess, but you can have a set up on the side with a staff person to manage it, to avoid creating lines. I have to wonder if this was done to increase the length of the line to dissuade others from joining it.

 

4. While I was dealing with an improperly charged item at GS, for over an hour, Jun, a GS agent at the next computer over, told a Platinum Latitudes guest wrong information about the loyalty program. Guest asked for the description of Platinum benefits. Jun responded “we don’t have that here.” The guest insisted, incredulously, knowing that the information is so common that it couldn't be far. Seconds later Jun found the exact document at GS desk in the first place he looked. He was making up answers the whole time. First, he *knew* that Cagney’s wasn’t an option for Platinum guests only Bistro/La Cucina, then after being proven wrong, he told the guest to go eat and they would credit the meal after (causing the guest to do more work!), then he told the guest he needed a voucher, all while the guest’s wife was sitting in the restaurant. Shameful unprofessionalism. And to a very loyal cruiser!

 

I could only stare and laugh in disbelief. You'd think that "Guest Services" would know a thing or 2 about their company's loyalty program. Or at least where to find the information. Or at least to not make stuff up. But too many NCL staff did make things up.

 

I had to spend over 2 hours, over 2 different days, with Guest Services staff to get them to apply promised credits because of service issues aboard. And it was a fight, because the promises didn't match the notes. And because a different department was responsible for the credit and had to be notified, and convinced, and I felt on trial, all because an offer was made to me to fix another issue. So difficult! And, to top it all off, after the first conversation (over 75 minutes) that resulted in a credit, the charge was REAPPLIED overnight to the account! This was the breaking point.

 

But yet, when daily forced gratuity charges put my account in the negative, I got "Please come add a credit card or cash to your onboard account" notices EVERY DAY like clockwork. Printed, sorted, delivered, immediately, on time, every day. But when they promise something, I have to chase it. No, thanks.

 

1 experience with Shore Excursions desk and I had to teach them about their own excursions. Re: Harvest Caye ferry only to Placencia. First, the agent denied that was available. Then, when I used NCL documents to prove that it was, she couldn't answer any questions about it, even the schedule of departures. And this, despite the fact that purchasing these ferry tickets are charged directly to the stateroom, and that Harvest Caye is an exclusive, private NCL island. Disappointing that I had to waste time at the ShoreEx desk and then on the island as I had to get to the marina only to learn that the first ferry left 90 minutes later, trapping me on their island though I was dressed for an exploration.

 

Dining: I'm a fan. I wish there would have been more variety for breakfast, but all in all, this 14-day cruise satisfied on the food side. Thanks to the chefs for their creativity and to the buffet staff (regular and exceptional) for their hard work dealing with the extra measures due to the virus outbreak. MDR servers and staff were less personal than I am used to on other lines, but I wonder if that has to do with the number of people they are responsible for at a time. Might be too many. Big credit to Ionela Oprisan, Assistant F&B director (acting director for part of this sailing) who was ALWAYS visible, interacting with guests, bringing smiles, solving issues, just being generally incredible. She's a star who went above and beyond, service-wise, on a ship where service was a notable negative in situations where it mattered. 

 

Specialty dining: Cagney's steakhouse was excellent. The OMG cheesecake was the best food we had the entire cruise. Moderno Churrascaria had a beautiful salad bar spread, but the meat (supposed to be the star) left a bit to be desired. The salad bar alone is not worth the cover charge.

 

Entertainment-wise, this was below average as a whole. The comedy club was the smallest of any ship I've been on with many obstructed sightlines. The comedians were of all qualities, but I didn't like how the opener did the same set each night. You had to decide whether to show up on time to get a good seat to see the show or show up late to enjoy 20 more minutes of vacation.

 

Brat Pack was a wonderful show. Thank you. The theatre is too small for this sized ship, though. I wasn't impressed by the other shows, some of which catered to an older audience.

 

I traveled with a child who enjoyed most experiences in Splash Academy, the kids' club aboard. Thanks to the staff there. On the ship, there was lots for the kids to do, and despite the early January sailing, there were lots of kids aboard.

 

The ropes course was a lot of fun, as was the bocce. The mini golf is a joke for anyone who takes the game semi-seriously, as the course is devoid of any thought, and skill is useless. It's a fun place to smack around a ball though. The sports court is in excellent shape.

 

Before I get to the last question, it is crucial to note the amazing work of many of the ship's staff in response to the virus outbreak aboard this sailing. NCL policies, thanks to their personnel, worked very well to minimize and contain this threat as much as possible. Our experience, and the health of passengers and crew aboard, would have been much worse were it not for the conscientious and hard work of hotel and food service personnel who worked tirelessly cleaning the ship, continually. It's a shame that some passengers live in a such a selfish way as to thoughtlessly put the health of others at risk rather than be responsible adults in society. NONE of my criticism of this cruise vacation is related to the virus outbreak on board. I am truly thankful for the professional response.

 

CruiseCritic asks "Would you go again"? My answer, sadly, is no. It will be very difficult to get me to travel with NCL again because they seem to be almost-entirely focused on their own self-interest. Both of my NCL experiences have been virtually identical. If you have no issues on board, you'll have a fine time. But if something goes wrong, expect to be told anything (even made up) to get you to go away, and know that you'll have to chase any offer made to you to try to make up for the problem that happened in the first place. You'll waste tons of valuable vacation time, or you'll just give up on collecting on their promises, all the while being constantly reminded to come give them your money, or a credit card through which they can access your money. No, thanks.

 

Once bitten, twice shy. I'm done with this company.

 

I sailed Escape in July and my experience was significantly better.

Because of that, I just booked the Encore for next January.

Just to touch on a couple of things you mentioned.

We had an instance where we were charged incorrectly for the Choir of Man show in the supper club and went to GS to get it corrected and have our account credited the proper amount. My wife and I went and couldn't have had a better experience. We explained our situation and within 10 minutes my account was credited (I wasn't looking for cash back, quite frankly I've never heard of someone getting cash back on a cruise ship). In addition, I was getting credited for 6 tickets covering 3 separate cabins which can make things a little more complicated but was accommodated without issue.

With regard to disembarkation tags, there was something set up on the side of GS that allowed you to take your own tags without any line and there were plenty of tags in all colors.

I agree, the smoke from the casino was a problem but I understand the newer ships (Bliss) have a smoking room in the casino and that it has been a big improvement. I also had the beam outside my stateroom but luckily didn't suffer any injuries.

We were also bummed with the music in the Manhattan Room. 1 time we didn't hear any music, but the 2nd time we did and that was fun. Overall, food for us was just fine. There's always something good to have and sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it. Ordering multiple apps and entrees usually solves that.

Lastly, I liked the entertainment overall. The comedy club was small but that didn't stop us from going there almost every night to see one of the good to very good comedians or to enjoy the dueling pianos. The games and other stuff in the atrium did get a little crazy crowded but were fun nonetheless. I did find the shows in the theater to be a little less than what rccl offers but I guess everything can't be wonderful.

I did see the best show I've ever seen on a cruise ship in the supper club and that was The Choir of Man. We were lucky enough to see it with the original cast just before they were replaced and my whole party just loved it.

My group of 6 had a terrific vacation and would all cruise NCL again.

Sorry to hear of all your difficulties. Good thing there are so many other cruise lines and ships to choose from.

 

[graphicguy]

I have had a check sent to me from NCL for missed ports and leftover OBC.  I’ve also had NCL give me cash for leftover OBC the morning of disembarkation as I was leaving the ship.  But, the refund wasn’t immediate.  As it was explained to me, getting cash refunds at the beginning or middle of the cruise, when you may have more charges against your account is somewhat redundant.  I get that.

 

Maybe they prefer sending a check as it alleviates a lot of standing in line at Customer Service.

 

I also understand that Choir of Man is the new show.  

 

Looking forward to sailing the Escape at the end of next month, but in a Balcony Cabin vs an inside cabin.  

 

Seems to be touch and go as to the smoke in areas.  I have been on some NCL ships where it’s hardly noticeable, and have sailed some where you know you’re near the casino because you can smell it.  It’s a casino, so I know what to expect.

 

Not sure what exactly was taken from your cabin by the steward.  But, I know they try very hard to please and leave your cabin spic and span and tidy everything up that’s left behind on a daily basis, including the Daily and the note pad I’ve used.  

 

It’s up to each individual, but I don’t know that I’d try to get a steward reprimanded by accidentally throwing away a note pad.  

 

Those of us who sail NCL quite often know what to expect.  Sounds like your unfamiliarity with the ship and NCL in general was cause for much of your consternation.  I get that.

 

 

[sid_9169]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but it appears as though you were attempting to rack up enough credit by complaining to cover your DSC... It is perfectly normal for the cruise line to have you open an account with either a credit card or cash... It seems that you were trying to circumvent this requirement by spending half of your vacation standing on line at Guest Services, instead of just trying to enjoy your cruise. If this isn't the case, feel free to correct me, but that's what it looks like to me...

[cruiseguy2424]

57 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

Please don't take this the wrong way, but it appears as though you were attempting to rack up enough credit by complaining to cover your DSC... It is perfectly normal for the cruise line to have you open an account with either a credit card or cash... It seems that you were trying to circumvent this requirement by spending half of your vacation standing on line at Guest Services, instead of just trying to enjoy your cruise. If this isn't the case, feel free to correct me, but that's what it looks like to me...

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[bkrickles1]

1 hour ago, sid_9169 said:

Please don't take this the wrong way, but it appears as though you were attempting to rack up enough credit by complaining to cover your DSC... It is perfectly normal for the cruise line to have you open an account with either a credit card or cash... It seems that you were trying to circumvent this requirement by spending half of your vacation standing on line at Guest Services, instead of just trying to enjoy your cruise. If this isn't the case, feel free to correct me, but that's what it looks like to me...

That's some strategy. Lmao!

While I have done the occasional cheat on my ubp, this requires effort that seriously degrades any possible enjoyment.

 

And for the op or anyone else. It's been my experience on the various cruises I've gone on that on the rare occasions I've needed GS, it's best to go very early morning. No lines and much quieter.

[Hockeydad1972]

Wow... I have cruised the Escape and the Getaway the past 2 years and have the Escape scheduled again this June out of NYC and loved both. I have found that some people just refuse to be happy and will look for reasons to be upset.. I mean you opened your review saying it was unsanitary that you had to use the same elevators for the Garden Cafe that people from the pool could use... ???????

 

Sorry, I just find it hard to believe that you’re trip was 75% negative(and that’s a conservative guess after reading your whole review). These are the same people who will complain that their drinks are light on alcohol when you can simply ask for a heavier pour when they are FREE. 

 

Finally who would have had a good time with spending 23 1/2 hours at GS complaining and trying to get credits... Not to mention it’s rude to Eavesdrop on another conversation like you did with the platinum rewards guest...

 

OK I feel better now... Deep breath...

 

And FYI I have also cruised RCL, Carnival and Disney....

[kayhil3]

I also was refunded for a missed port in September. I asked for a cash refund and was told I could come back the day we got back for cash or they would send a check.  The check arrived in less than 2 weeks.  The luggage tags you saw being handed out to a guest was for platinum tags, these are not put out with the others and must be requested. Sorry you didn't enjoy your time with NCL, I'm looking forward to my 20th cruise with them at the end of the month.

[Samstress]

Well, there goes our nice Canadian reputation 'eh'.  I am truly sorry:-)

 

[Arzeena]

Hi Marc,

It was great meeting you and your family at the Meet and Mingle!
 

So sorry you had to spend half the vacation waiting in line at guest services to get things done, but you should have directly  contacted the officers listed on that card that was given to everyone at the Meet and Mingle to save some sanity. The card had direct extensions for all the top crew members. Your problems would have been looked at and resolved must faster. That is what those cards are for, my friend.  I wish you had posted or asked while on board.
 

My port fees refund from the missed port (GSC) showed up on my onboard account and was adjusted to any charge I made on board.

Never tried this personally, but I have read here and I gather that NCL will not give you cash but will mail you a check after the cruise for any daily service charges you want to remove or readjust.

 

Sorry your experience was not great enough to make you want to cruise on NCL again.  All the best!

[redhatters]

Just off Escape Jan 20-Feb 03 Southern Caribbean with a group.  We lost the first day with the wait in terminal, really late luggage arrival (like 1 am) and minimal cabin steward service due to last outbreak of norvo virus.   All crew were busy cleaning, sanitizing ship and not paying the right attention to guests!  Constant spraying of stinky chemicals for one week made people with allergies and asthma stay in cabins.  The crew work heavy duty masks, but not even a written apology from captain for the big inconvenience this scouring caused!   We all realize it is for our own health benefit, but we really put up with a lot of grief and over worked crew members who were not nice to us! I have always sailed NCL, but now because of unprofessional crew on board this ship, I am rethinking my loyalty.  

[Arzeena]

15 hours ago, redhatters said:

Just off Escape Jan 20-Feb 03 Southern Caribbean with a group.  We lost the first day with the wait in terminal, really late luggage arrival (like 1 am) and minimal cabin steward service due to last outbreak of norvo virus.   All crew were busy cleaning, sanitizing ship and not paying the right attention to guests!  Constant spraying of stinky chemicals for one week made people with allergies and asthma stay in cabins.  The crew work heavy duty masks, but not even a written apology from captain for the big inconvenience this scouring caused!   We all realize it is for our own health benefit, but we really put up with a lot of grief and over worked crew members who were not nice to us! I have always sailed NCL, but now because of unprofessional crew on board this ship, I am rethinking my loyalty.  

Would you rather have had the virus or the attention?

 

 

[redhatters]

Biggest complaint was the crew!  They were crabby, overworked apparently.  We were not treated nicely.  Many of the crew members were curt with passengers.  I have never experienced this before.  Dining staff hardly could understand english language.   Being a Platinum member and having booked many groups on NCL, I found this cruise Jan 20 to be chaotic!